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Converse Pulls Karina Campaign Following Controversy Over Ad Imagery

Converse removed a Chuck 70 X advertisement featuring aespa member Karina and issued an apology after online debate over alleged racist imagery, according to a Yahoo report.

Converse Pulls Karina Campaign Following Controversy Over Ad Imagery

Photograph via aespa

TL;DR Converse removed an ad featuring aespa's Karina and issued an apology after criticism over alleged racist imagery, according to a Yahoo report.

Converse apologized and pulled a promotional campaign featuring aespa member Karina after viewers criticized the visuals, according to a Yahoo report. The company launched the global advertisement for its Chuck 70 X sneakers on August 27, 2026. In the promotional image, Karina stood in a white skirt beneath a star-shaped spotlight while holding black high-top sneakers at her side.

According to the Yahoo report, social media users alleged that the triangular lighting across the skirt resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood. Viewers also claimed that the hanging sneakers resembled the feet of a lynching victim, according to the report. The debate spread across TikTok, Instagram, X, and Reddit by early-to-mid September 2026. Other users disputed the criticism and argued that the comparison was an overreaction taken outside the original context.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was featured in the removed Converse advertisement?

According to the Yahoo report, the promotional campaign featured Converse's Chuck 70 X sneakers.

When did Converse launch the campaign featuring Karina?

The Yahoo report states that the global campaign launched on August 27, 2026.

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